Highest paying jobs in Virginia Beach - Norfolk that require a bachelor's degree
Highest paying jobs in Virginia Beach that require a bachelor's degree
While college and university tuition costs may be skyrocketing, many still believe a bachelor's degree is essential to landing a high-paying job in the United States. Stacker compiled a list of the highest paying jobs that typically require a bachelors in Virginia Beach using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by 2020 annual mean wage.
Whether highly technical, scientific, or based in finance or the arts, all the jobs require keeping up to date with the latest developments in culture, commerce, or tech.
Keep reading to discover the highest-paying jobs that require a bachelor degree in Virginia Beach.
#50. Technical writers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $75,930
- #50 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 320
National
- Annual mean salary: $78,590
- Employment: 48,880
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($112,240)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($111,020)
--- Trenton, NJ ($96,270)
- Job description: Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
#49. Network and computer systems administrators
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $76,520
- #203 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,980
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,460
- Employment: 339,560
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($134,260)
--- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($116,840)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($111,790)
- Job description: Install, configure, and maintain an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), data communications network, operating systems, and physical and virtual servers. Perform system monitoring and verify the integrity and availability of hardware, network, and server resources and systems. Review system and application logs and verify completion of scheduled jobs, including system backups. Analyze network and server resource consumption and control user access. Install and upgrade software and maintain software licenses. May assist in network modeling, analysis, planning, and coordination between network and data communications hardware and software.
#48. Directors, religious activities and education
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $76,530
- #5 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $52,660
- Employment: 19,860
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($102,190)
--- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($98,950)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($79,280)
- Job description: Coordinate or design programs and conduct outreach to promote the religious education or activities of a denominational group. May provide counseling, guidance, and leadership relative to marital, health, financial, and religious problems.
#47. Labor relations specialists
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $76,990
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 250
National
- Annual mean salary: $74,870
- Employment: 70,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($113,270)
--- Spartanburg, SC ($111,380)
--- Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($103,990)
- Job description: Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
#46. Budget analysts
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $79,610
- #58 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
National
- Annual mean salary: $82,690
- Employment: 49,260
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($107,870)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($104,650)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($101,450)
- Job description: Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
#45. Logisticians
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $82,130
- #79 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,990
National
- Annual mean salary: $79,830
- Employment: 184,230
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($116,200)
--- California-Lexington Park, MD ($112,040)
--- Lake Charles, LA ($110,510)
- Job description: Analyze and coordinate the ongoing logistical functions of a firm or organization. Responsible for the entire life cycle of a product, including acquisition, distribution, internal allocation, delivery, and final disposal of resources.
#44. Loan officers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $82,340
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,600
National
- Annual mean salary: $76,930
- Employment: 308,700
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Eau Claire, WI ($129,900)
--- Stockton-Lodi, CA ($121,100)
--- Tyler, TX ($114,690)
- Job description: Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, loan underwriters, and payday loan officers.
#43. Social and community service managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $85,230
- #21 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 400
National
- Annual mean salary: $75,140
- Employment: 155,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Yuba City, CA ($96,530)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($95,650)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($94,900)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
#42. Chemists
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $85,290
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 130
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,410
- Employment: 82,940
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Peoria, IL ($134,990)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($130,860)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($122,250)
- Job description: Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.
#41. Emergency management directors
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $85,760
- #28 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 30
National
- Annual mean salary: $84,310
- Employment: 10,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($141,820)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($138,590)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($122,610)
- Job description: Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.
#40. Credit analysts
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $86,370
- #43 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 200
National
- Annual mean salary: $86,170
- Employment: 72,090
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Danbury, CT ($126,820)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($122,540)
--- Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL ($119,980)
- Job description: Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.
#39. Conservation scientists
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $87,230
- #12 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: data not available
National
- Annual mean salary: $69,020
- Employment: 22,020
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Diego-Carlsbad, CA ($107,170)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($102,600)
--- Springfield, MA-CT ($98,850)
- Job description: Manage, improve, and protect natural resources to maximize their use without damaging the environment. May conduct soil surveys and develop plans to eliminate soil erosion or to protect rangelands. May instruct farmers, agricultural production managers, or ranchers in best ways to use crop rotation, contour plowing, or terracing to conserve soil and water; in the number and kind of livestock and forage plants best suited to particular ranges; and in range and farm improvements, such as fencing and reservoirs for stock watering.
#38. Civil engineers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $88,730
- #161 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,970
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,440
- Employment: 300,850
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($125,910)
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($121,970)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($119,860)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in planning, designing, and overseeing construction and maintenance of building structures and facilities, such as roads, railroads, airports, bridges, harbors, channels, dams, irrigation projects, pipelines, power plants, and water and sewage systems.
#37. Architects, except landscape and naval
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $89,800
- #56 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 480
National
- Annual mean salary: $89,470
- Employment: 103,900
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($114,930)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($113,510)
--- Santa Rosa, CA ($112,110)
- Job description: Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property.
#36. Art directors
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $90,230
- #44 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 100
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,490
- Employment: 40,950
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($147,070)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($144,660)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($142,260)
- Job description: Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
#35. Database administrators and architects
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $91,160
- #102 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 950
National
- Annual mean salary: $101,090
- Employment: 133,630
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,340)
--- Trenton, NJ ($126,540)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($120,430)
- Job description: Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
#34. Mechanical engineers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $91,740
- #121 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,150
National
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Employment: 293,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($125,760)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,190)
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($123,700)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
#33. Environmental engineers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $92,930
- #75 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 220
National
- Annual mean salary: $96,890
- Employment: 50,260
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX ($128,000)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($124,210)
--- Baton Rouge, LA ($114,890)
- Job description: Research, design, plan, or perform engineering duties in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental hazards using various engineering disciplines. Work may include waste treatment, site remediation, or pollution control technology.
#31 (tie). Marine engineers and naval architects
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $94,080
- #11 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,360
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,590
- Employment: 8,700
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($129,690)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($129,280)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($125,400)
- Job description: Design, develop, and evaluate the operation of marine vessels, ship machinery, and related equipment, such as power supply and propulsion systems.
#31 (tie). Industrial engineers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $94,080
- #106 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,040
National
- Annual mean salary: $93,610
- Employment: 290,190
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Billings, MT ($125,760)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($123,710)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($123,510)
- Job description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes, including human work factors, quality control, inventory control, logistics and material flow, cost analysis, and production coordination.
#30. Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $94,640
- #54 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 120
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,330
- Employment: 23,780
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA ($123,730)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($121,700)
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($121,330)
- Job description: Promote worksite or product safety by applying knowledge of industrial processes, mechanics, chemistry, psychology, and industrial health and safety laws. Includes industrial product safety engineers.
#29. Management analysts
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $96,410
- #87 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 5,080
National
- Annual mean salary: $97,580
- Employment: 734,000
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Dothan, AL ($163,720)
--- Barnstable Town, MA ($157,490)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($135,250)
- Job description: Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
#28. Electrical engineers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $97,140
- #145 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,380
National
- Annual mean salary: $105,990
- Employment: 185,220
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($150,480)
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($130,150)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($125,700)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
#27. Computer systems analysts
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $98,330
- #52 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,900
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,020
- Employment: 574,450
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($133,970)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($125,350)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($124,070)
- Job description: Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
#26. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $98,640
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 460
National
- Annual mean salary: $99,680
- Employment: 288,150
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Rochester, NY ($150,650)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($143,850)
--- Battle Creek, MI ($141,310)
- Job description: Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least 2 years of postsecondary education.
#24 (tie). Operations research analysts
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $101,630
- #20 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 830
National
- Annual mean salary: $92,280
- Employment: 96,220
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($146,830)
--- Salinas, CA ($124,950)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($123,370)
- Job description: Formulate and apply mathematical modeling and other optimizing methods to develop and interpret information that assists management with decisionmaking, policy formulation, or other managerial functions. May collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, services, or products. May develop and supply optimal time, cost, or logistics networks for program evaluation, review, or implementation.
#24 (tie). Software developers and software quality assurance analysts and testers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $101,630
- #107 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 6,520
National
- Annual mean salary: $114,270
- Employment: 1,476,800
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($157,480)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($144,740)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($140,930)
- Job description: Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
#23. Electronics engineers, except computer
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $102,150
- #86 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 820
National
- Annual mean salary: $112,320
- Employment: 122,320
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($148,210)
--- Austin-Round Rock, TX ($134,110)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($131,740)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
#22. Construction managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $108,540
- #93 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,290
National
- Annual mean salary: $107,260
- Employment: 285,640
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Napa, CA ($161,780)
--- Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ ($154,800)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($153,490)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
#21. Medical and health services managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $109,690
- #182 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,460
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,800
- Employment: 402,540
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Vallejo-Fairfield, CA ($174,010)
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($171,430)
--- Madera, CA ($168,090)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate medical and health services in hospitals, clinics, managed care organizations, public health agencies, or similar organizations.
#20. Computer hardware engineers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $109,960
- #51 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 280
National
- Annual mean salary: $126,140
- Employment: 64,710
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($179,570)
--- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($171,540)
--- Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH ($153,780)
- Job description: Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
#19. General and operations managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $111,450
- #166 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 10,230
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,740
- Employment: 2,347,420
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($183,170)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($175,990)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,370)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the operations of public or private sector organizations, overseeing multiple departments or locations. Duties and responsibilities include formulating policies, managing daily operations, and planning the use of materials and human resources, but are too diverse and general in nature to be classified in any one functional area of management or administration, such as personnel, purchasing, or administrative services. Usually manage through subordinate supervisors. Excludes First-Line Supervisors.
#18. Information security analysts
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $111,840
- #27 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,600
National
- Annual mean salary: $107,580
- Employment: 138,000
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($147,160)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($136,910)
--- Idaho Falls, ID ($130,620)
- Job description: Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.
#17. Natural sciences managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $112,880
- #92 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 160
National
- Annual mean salary: $154,930
- Employment: 75,870
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($221,460)
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($214,020)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($205,120)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.
#16. Sales engineers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $115,770
- #34 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 230
National
- Annual mean salary: $117,270
- Employment: 63,780
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Durham-Chapel Hill, NC ($163,860)
--- Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI ($158,140)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($155,490)
- Job description: Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in engineering.
#15. Computer network architects
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $117,520
- #46 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 920
National
- Annual mean salary: $119,230
- Employment: 159,350
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($161,950)
--- Dover-Durham, NH-ME ($152,060)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($148,250)
- Job description: Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
#14. Industrial production managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $119,780
- #103 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 440
National
- Annual mean salary: $118,190
- Employment: 179,570
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New Orleans-Metairie, LA ($171,890)
--- Florence, SC ($167,660)
--- Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA ($155,320)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the work activities and resources necessary for manufacturing products in accordance with cost, quality, and quantity specifications.
#13. Atmospheric and space scientists
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $121,200
- #3 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $100,550
- Employment: 10,210
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA ($128,100)
--- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA ($123,080)
--- Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC ($121,200)
- Job description: Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
#12. Aerospace engineers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $123,310
- #16 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 810
National
- Annual mean salary: $121,110
- Employment: 60,630
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($151,410)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($142,260)
--- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX ($135,490)
- Job description: Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
#11. Human resources managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $129,450
- #66 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $134,580
- Employment: 156,600
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($194,040)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($183,890)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($179,870)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
#10. Purchasing managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $129,650
- #50 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 330
National
- Annual mean salary: $132,660
- Employment: 70,960
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO ($181,240)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($172,300)
--- Morgantown, WV ($167,740)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers.
#9. Sales managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $134,180
- #135 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 890
National
- Annual mean salary: $147,580
- Employment: 390,170
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($207,070)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($202,700)
--- Trenton, NJ ($186,960)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
#8. Compensation and benefits managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $138,540
- #18 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 40
National
- Annual mean salary: $137,160
- Employment: 16,340
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($194,810)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($184,050)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($180,840)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
#7. Financial managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $138,850
- #97 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 2,020
National
- Annual mean salary: $151,510
- Employment: 653,080
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($214,670)
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($210,180)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($192,310)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
#6. Training and development managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $138,960
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 170
National
- Annual mean salary: $125,920
- Employment: 38,710
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($178,590)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($167,570)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($166,750)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate the training and development activities and staff of an organization.
#5. Marketing managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $145,850
- #59 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 500
National
- Annual mean salary: $154,470
- Employment: 270,200
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA ($213,180)
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($211,210)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($196,260)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.
#4. Computer and information systems managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $151,130
- #49 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 1,720
National
- Annual mean salary: $161,730
- Employment: 457,290
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($235,040)
--- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($212,480)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($201,320)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.
#3. Architectural and engineering managers
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $152,800
- #78 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 770
National
- Annual mean salary: $158,100
- Employment: 195,900
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($226,920)
--- Amarillo, TX ($199,940)
--- Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL ($198,610)
- Job description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.
#2. Personal financial advisors
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $158,860
- #15 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 540
National
- Annual mean salary: $122,490
- Employment: 218,050
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Gainesville, FL ($206,120)
--- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA ($169,850)
--- Tyler, TX ($169,690)
- Job description: Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.
#1. Chief executives
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC
- Annual mean salary: $226,060
- #47 highest pay among all metros
- Employment: 870
National
- Annual mean salary: $197,840
- Employment: 202,360
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor's degree
- Metros with highest average pay:
--- Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT ($293,000)
--- Midland, TX ($269,360)
--- Sioux Falls, SD ($263,770)
- Job description: Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.
